College is a time for learning and fun, but it can also prove to be a breeding ground for pests. Students living in extremely close proximity to each other for months on end, each one coming from different backgrounds and home, is a pest’s dream—specifically the bedbug. While you may not be able to control how much reading your history professor gives out, you can control bedbugs in your dorm room with a few, simple steps.

Out of all the ways that you can combat a bedbug infestation, regular cleaning is by far the most effective. Yes, we know college life can be busy, but by taking a few minutes out of every day to do some simple cleaning can save you countless hours in the student health center, or with a bad night’s sleep.

Do your best to keep your room as uncluttered as you can, because bedbugs can use clutter as cover to get into your bed. In addition, try to make an effort to vacuum at least once every week, and change your sheets regularly. Those sweaty clothes lying on the floor? Either throw them in the wash or a hamper to prevent bedbugs from getting in, and adding onto the stress of college life.

Along with cleaning, you should be sure that you regularly check for bedbugs, since the best way to stop an infestation is to catch it early. Peel back the covers of your bed every week and look for small, brown dots or little red specs—both are evidence of bedbug activity. Encourage your roommate to do the same, and should anyone else be spending the night in your room, be sure to check after they leave. People can unwittingly carry bedbugs around, regardless of their cleanliness, so be sure to check.

Now, should you be unlucky and find a bedbug in your dorm room, there are solutions. First, let your RA know right away, so the school can call out a professional pest company to deal with the infestation. In the interim, however, wash all bedding and clothing that is exposed, and ones that may have bedbugs. Be sure to wash and dry on the highest setting in order to kill any remaining bedbugs or eggs. After the wash, put them into plastic or vacuum sealed bags to prevent a future problems.

College can be the best time of your life, but a bedbug problem will surely not leave a pleasant memory. Take a few minutes out of your week and stop the infestation before it starts—we promise it’s easier than your history paper!